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State Rep. Shevrin Jones, whose family was impacted by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, in calling for visa requirements to be lifted to help those victims seek refuge in the U.S.

Jones made the request Wednesday morning, asking U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to push the Donald Trump administration to act.

“I urge the Trump administration as well as Senators Rubio and Scott to waive U.S. visa requirements for Bahamians seeking refuge post-Dorian,” Jones said.

“I have spoken with Rep. Frederica Wilson who agrees swift action must be taken before more lives are lost. It is inhumane to do nothing while thousands of our fellow human beings are left to languish without drinking water or shelter.”

Dorian struck the Bahamas as a massive Category 5 hurricane. The slow-moving storm then sat over the island chain for nearly two days, causing extensive flooding and destruction.

Waiving those visa requirements would ease the process to those who have lost their homes in the storm to travel to the U.S. The Bahamas is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.

“Our hearts break for those across the region who have already felt its wrath,” Jones added Wednesday.

“The storm has destroyed and damaged tens of thousands of homes, crippled hospitals and shelters, leveled communities, and killed at least seven. My own family in the Bahamas — including cousins, uncles, and aunts who call Pine Wood, Nassau, and Freeport home — grapples with extensive flooding and damage, but are thankfully all safe and accounted for. “

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Ryan Nicol covers news out of South Florida for Florida Politics. Ryan is a native Floridian who attended undergrad at Nova Southeastern University before moving on to law school at Florida State. After graduating with a law degree he moved into the news industry, working in TV News as a writer and producer, along with some freelance writing work. If you'd like to contact him, send an email to ryan.t.nicol@gmail.com.

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